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Sunday, March 13, 2011

Fred Phelps and The Westboro Baptist Church: Burning Gay

Fred Phelps Burning Gay (inks on bristol / 2011)

Fred Phelps is a guy I've wanted to portray in my work for a very long time and recently got an artistic push via a brainstorming session with my friend and author Zach. All of the ideas I had toyed with myself were vicious, sexual, and over the top and would have never found an audience here with you. I guess Fred was getting to me with his hateful rhetoric. What he was doing was working because what I was experiencing in reaction to The Westboro Baptist Church's actions was hate. Living in a community housing thousands of Fort Campbell soldiers and families, we are no strangers here in Clarksville to this certified hate group's antics. Last year some church members scheduled themselves a stop at Austin Peay State University to protest a speaking engagement with Judy Shepard (who's son, Matthew Sheperd was slain for being homosexual back in 1998.) The students handled the situation in a classy way making mock and ridiculous signs to counter-demonstrate the church.

While hanging out with my buddies Zach and Nick, the subject of Phelps and his "God Hates Fags" campaign came up as did my idea to make him a subject of a drawing. Zach suggested I have Phelps holding one of his signs and sweating with terror in his own little personal Hell- Gay Land (if you will.) What is this man so afraid of to go to the lengths he does to spread his message of hate? Rainbows? Butterflies? Unicorns? Or the pink flames of a burning gay apocalypse?

Click HERE for the Anti-Defamation League's profile on The Westboro Baptist Church

I love it! He is such a puke to do the things he does!I used to live in Topeka years ago and thought I would never be bothered by his crap here in Texas,but,dreams don't always come true.Love your work!

A lovely portrait of one of our more deranged and disgusting citizens. I always thought he would make a good foil for those loveable zanies The Animaniacs, and so a few years ago I wrote a little prose cartoon about his encounter with them. Here's a link to it, if links work here:http://bigclosetr.us/topshelf/fiction/10043/god-hates-warners~~hugs, Laika Pupkino

Made up a list of questions that they still refuse to answer: http://dregstudiosart.blogspot.com/2011/03/fred-phelps-and-westboro-baptist-church.htm

And made a blog simalar to yours here: http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/03/ramblings-of-normal-guy-when-freedom-of.html

Its absolutely ridiculous what they do and what they are allowed to get away with. How can one human being hate another human being this much? They never met the people they are protesting or protesting against. They just assume, breed hate and not even care... its so bloody sad.

What bothers me most about WBC is that they claim God hates ANYONE. While the God I serve may not like their actions, He is a God of Love and as such, it is not in Him to hate anyone. I think that your portrayal of this 'pastor' is appropriate. I keep trying to figure out how to say something to the members of the WBC. I hesitate to refer to them as a church, though a congregation is an accurate enough reference. The Church, as Jesus Christ calls us to be, would not stoop to such tactics. It does nothing but drive people away from God, not call them to Him. I am proud to be a Christian, but I am not to be associated with WBC in anyway. They are not Christian, no matter what they claim. Remember that Christian means Christ-like. Their actions are not very Christ-like.

You're absolutely right David. "God Hates" is a backwards concept. I think the things being preached hear are closer to something out of an Anton Lavey book (i.e. The Satanic Bible.) It's beyond my logic how anyone can be filled with such a calling as something like this. Of course our country has a long history of racism and sexism in many forms which have evolved over the years. Black rascism turned to Hispanic and Muslim racism. Sexism against women turned into sexism against gays.

Nice depiction, I suppose that would be Fred's and Westboro's own personal Hell. Or as my Mom states in reference to people like this, or filled with hate against anyone... "Do you think they will be surprised to see "them" in Heaven also?"

He may be unpleasantly surprised to see some of us in Heaven, confusing it with Hell.

You are so full of shit telling us the ONLY reason Matthew Shepherd was killed was because he was gay. Pure bullshit, propaganda. The guy was a drug addict with perverted drug addict friends who were just as perverted as him. Keep spreading the lies.

Joe, I simply mentioned that he was murdered for being homosexual. I believe this is true as does the majority of the public, hence legislation being named after him in relation to hate crimes. Replacing the term "gay" with "perverted" only implies your own ignorance and perhaps your own malice toward homosexuality. Wake up call Joe, there are gay people in every society in the world and they aren't going anywhere. They may even gain equal rights over the next few year- imagine that!

As an afterthought Joe, I clicked the site you have linked to your name, which was one of the most racist and absurd things I've seen in quite a while. My art isn't propaganda, but this site is. It's exemplary of the same rhetoric spewed by organizations like the WBC and you are no better sir. Is your life so petty as to fill it will such hatred for people based on race, nationality, or sexuality.

Pretty good. Those idiots in Westboro are protesting everything except what they are. I think they are a prime example of why "Incest" is illegal!! Look what it gets you. They pick their little tidbits from the Bible that seems to fit their purpose, and ignore the rest. But, they are dangerous if people don't stand up and stop them soon. Remember Hitler and how he came into power from a little perverted group? He had Jewish ancestry, and look what he did to them in the end. Just as these so called Christians are doing to other real Christians. God help us. Good for Mississippi and good for Oklahoma and their new funeral protest law!! The south shall rise again! When it counts the most, we'll be there!! Show Me

Brandt YOU say Shepherd was murdered for being a homosexual, by WHOM was he murdered by? Wasn't it his bi-Sexual supposed friend?

Don't give me this homosexual crap. As to my beliefs I believe in Rule of LAW, PERIOD. Phelps and his band of people believe in exposing Biblical error. They don't bother me because I have brains to make up my mind BIBLICALLY as to what's right or wrong.

As to your comments about being racist and using the "hate" word what are you Jewish? They seem to use that word a lot when ANYONE has an opinion different than theirs.

Go join the ADL, THEY HAVE A COPYRIGHT ON THE WORDS "HATE" "HATER" "Racist" "Holocaust Denier" and all words you seem to quote.

Joe RizoliCCFIILE.com see the "holocaust links" to bring more confusion and hate comments to your soul.

Again Joe, it seems glaringly obvious to me that your comments and your entire website are geared toward defending racism and bigotry. I hope you can let go of your hatred and just enjoy your life Joe... it's not worth it. You're ideals do not make you any more superior than your whiteness- they only make you a smaller person.

Fred Phelps and his followers would have to be the biggest pieces of shit i have ever seen and use god to justify their twisted beliefs the scary thing is they are brainwashing children into believing this is right they should be treated as terrorists because that's what they are we need love in this world not hate i do not believe in god and when you die that's it nothing and you will never know enjoy what you have now

Love your art work and your philosophy! I read a few other articles. Great work! I only recently became aware of "Reverend" (ahem) Phelps in an article on "Patch" for a local serviceman (Newtown, PA) who came to his untimely death in Afghanistan. This radical group is planning to protest his funeral services on Sunday, Aug. 7th, despite the fact that he was not gay. Not that his sexual preference has anything to do with my feelings, but I cannot understand any intelligent, caring human being wanting to cause such heartache and disrespect to a family who is mourning the loss of a loved one. The hatred and vile stench of their preaching is so beyond my comprehension, but then again, I am sure they are not intelligent nor caring human beings. They are sick, tormented, troubled, insecure, and lost souls who can only find meaning to their pitiful lives by torturing others who are secure in their lives and steadfast in their ideals and truly love their fellow human beings and live in a manner that reflects God's love and virtue. They are the ones who will rot in hell unless they realize how misguided and brainwashed they are. It saddens me so. Hate is truly the Devil's tool. I will continue to watch your website! Keep up the great work!

This is not a church, this is a hate group. Westboro Baptist Church spreads its hate through picketing in our streets, provoking attacks, with abusive language and flag desecration, attempting to create a confrontation. This is not about protesting, freedom, or God. They are in it for the money and the press; this is a family law firm. They are not a "church." It is a scam. They go after anything that can get them in the news. This is a family of lawyers using this “god hates you” thing to make money. Yes, it is a scam.

Now I realize I was very critical of other works, but this one does rock. As far as I'm concerned this maggot deserves the unicorn's flaming horn inserted as far up his rectum as will fit. Karma is going to catch up with the "Westboro Baptist Church" and when it does I hope there is hell to pay.

Never forget, Fred Phelps is a registered Democrat, ran for Gov of Kansas as a Democrat & got 33% of the vote, was Al Gore's super delegate in 1988, hosted Al & Tipper Gore in his home for a fund raiser in 1988 which they attended, and was Al Gore & Bill Clinton's personal guests to the 93 & 97 inaugurations. Al Gore also agrees with Phelps about gays & lesbians. Gore, who was quoted by the Nashville Tennessean in 1984 saying homosexuality is not “an acceptable alternative that society should affirm” and said in his 1984 US Senate race that he would not accept money from gay rights organizations and that he opposed a “gay bill of rights,”http://www.lcrga.com/news/Fred-Phelps-Al-Gore-Westboro-Baptist-Church-God-Hates-Fags/200010251159.shtmlKnow your history. Don't be ignorant of the facts.

well what can I say nice work, although I am from england even I hate these bunch of deranged cult wacko fucked up freaks....WTF are they on man. how can god hate fags dont they know there is no god? anyhow great great great work I am anow a fan yours ken frazer-jones from blackpool UK....

Thank you for a great site...love your artwork, very witty! I bet Al Gore doesn't feel that way NOW.... people are capable of changing their hearts, I know I did. As far as the WBC ...they provoke you, with the intent of making you so mad that you try to hurt them....THAT'S when they sue your ass.....that's how they make money...they are like grifters and thieves .....lawyers all. Scummiest of the scummy.

okay listen you stupid asses are dumb as hell. what about love thy neighbor. christians are such hypocryts, for one what are gay people doing to you?!?!? absolutely nothing, we live ours lives how we want to. and im pretty sure every body sins, and all sins are created equal. so being gay is the same as cussing.

Anonymous: Interesting view of "all sins created equal". May I play devil’s advocate for one moment? Would you consider a man's theft of a loaf of bread to feed his hungry family on equal footing? As say a murder for sexual fulfillment or for the simple ill conceived pleasure of infliction of pain, until death?

Being a Michigan Native, Michael Moore is a family hero around my immediate family and in my home. I believe this was from his TV series, The Awful Truth which ran for a couple of seasons and he took on politicians and big business. He is a champion for the working class.

They are afraid of God's judgement just like they believe everyone else should be. This leads them to peacefully protest in public to warn others about what they believe is going to happen. They are not afraid of rainbows, those are a sign God gave after the flood to remind humanity of how vengeful he can be.

I think you have a big misconception here. The WBC do not hate gay people (Fred probably is homophobic though). They believe God hates gays. There is a big difference.

Zaev Jabotinsky gave a speech in Poland in 1938 in which he said to the Jews to escape with your lives while there is still time and time is short. This does not make him a nazi. The WBC are giving a speech just like he did to the Jews, to the gays. Except God is their Hitler. Just like knowing that God punishes gays with eternal damnation does not make one personally hate homosexuals. There is a video you can see where Shirley is very friendly with a gay man. They are quite nice people in person.

You must be smoking or sniffing the same crap they are. Protesting soldier's and little children's funerals is just plain sick, perverted and disgusting. They claim to be Christians which means they follow Jesus Christ. For their and your information, Jesus NEVER once said one word about homosexuality, so obviously they are NOT following Christ. The verse thay are following is not even in the new testament, it is in Leviticus, which also states that eating pork products and shell fish are an "abomination" which is the same word as in the verse on 'man laying with man." I'm sure that they do have their bacon, ham and pork chops and maybe shrimp from time to time. So guess what, they are not only hypocrites, they are an abomination!!!!

I am a Topekan. Raised here since I was 1 year old. And I have been subjected to the hate that the WBC preaches.

They protested my senior prom. They protested my high school graduation. Hell, they even protested my band concerts. The pathetic thing is that I went to school with some of these kids that hold the signs. I can remember being in grade school and one kid in particular who was in my grade never celebrated holidays. None. No birthdays. No Christmas. Nothing. As a child, my family would be going to dinner and there the group would be, on a busy street corner, spending their hate. My mother would always have us put our heads down to keep us from seeing the signs. To me, Im disgusted that Topeka is known for such a thing. But I am happy that more people are starting to take action. High schoolers holding peace signs next to them can only do so much (a group of my friends and I did this in high school). Thank you for your post, Im happy that people are learning about this and seeing that SOMETHING has to be done.

Alisah, it must be troubling for any youth to grow up around so much hate and distortion of religion in their faces. Unfortunately, the media and internet allows for much undo attention to them. Misery and negativity love company and the best we can do is ignore them or laugh at them. Of course, the art is a double-edged sword in this respect. Thanks you very much for posting here- it means a lot to me.